An employee arranges flags at the residence of Israel's President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem March 18, 2013, ahead of U.S. President Barack Obama's visit. Obama is due to make his first official visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories this week, looking to improve ties with both camps after a sometimes rocky first term in office.

Barack Obama made a historic first trip to Israel as president and he met with the country’s President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss Iran’s nuclear program, the ongoing civil war in Syria, and the Middle East peace process. During his three day visit, Obama also met with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas in the West Bank.